Brian Jones: The Making of the Rolling Stones Kindle Edition

By far and away the best book ever written about Brian Jones. Paul Trynka interviewed over 100 people. He spends quite a lot of time on Brian's very early days in Cheltenham England. He covers his family life, his social life, his rebellious life and most importantly his musical life. All this before he even hit London where he impressed everyone with his incredible slide guitar. Especially Keith Richards who was in the audience that night. He also objectively covers that fateful night Brian died. A lot has been written about his death. Paul covers it all. I have read everything about Brian Jones and thought not much more could be written. Paul found people that have never commented before. It is a very fresh approach to a man that has been marginalized by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards for the last 50 years. And Paul points out why Mick, Keith and Andrew Oldham conspired to destroy Brian. It was always said that Brian couldn't write songs. Paul presents proof that he could and did write for the Rolling Stones and received no credit. Paul presents all the lies and myths that the world was tricked into believing. Brian Jones was far more important to the success of the Rolling Stones than he will ever get credit for. Paul objectively points out his contributions with all the interviews he did. Brian Jones was a very complicated person. Paul covers his ups, his downs and all the turmoil in his life. This will probably be the last book that will effectively cover the life and times of Brian Jones. I highly recommend it. Brian Jones left his mark on the world because of his passion for R&B. And because of that passion the Rolling Stones became the legendary band that they are today. Paul effectively gives Brian his due respect through all the people that were there in the 50's and 60's who were around Brian. No matter how hard Mick and Keith try to erase this man from history they just can't. The legacy of Brian Jones is here to stay and Paul Trynka makes sure of that. R.I.P. Brian!

This book is awful, a real disappointment. Right from the start, the recurring point - and by recurring I mean on nearly ever page - is that Mick & Keith were mean to Brian and never gave him credit for anything. In or out of bands, musicians often don't get recognition or money for their contributions. Just ask George & Ringo. Just ask anyone who's ever done an album with David Bowie. Ask Los Lobos about Paul Simon. I could go on. And the fact that it's common doesn't make it right, but it also doesn't mean we need a whole book whining about it.One example. About 200 pages in, the Stones are meeting a filmmaker and the author cries - on Brian's behalf - that no one told the filmmaker that Brian was the founder of the band. How was that relevant at that point in the band's history?The book's argument is largely founded on gossip and rumor, which I suppose is the best we can get when talking about the history of a rock n roll band. But on the subject of Brian's alleged contributions to Stones songs it's pretty weak evidence.There are a few references that seem intended to compare Brian's situation to that of George Harrison, but the comparison is just not apt. George was writing & singing songs beginning with "Don't Bother Me" on the Beatles second album. He ended up writing 22 songs while with the Beatles and when he went solo, he had enough for a triple album. What did Brian ever have? He made contributions, no doubt, but whole songs? Which ones? What's the evidence?The author insists that Brian Jones was one of if not England's premier blues guitarists. It's almost like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Mick Taylor, and Peter Green weren't playing blues music at the same time.There is no question that Brian Jones started the Rolling Stones, chose the name, and directed their early course. But that phase ended. And it's apparent even from this book that Brian's separation from the other Stones was at least as much his decision as theirs.I don't want to disparage Brian Jones. He didn't write this book. But it's clear he was not a very nice or very happy person. I lost track of the number of teenage girls he impregnated then dumped and, apparently, so did Brian. The author reports that he talked about leaving the Stones several years before he was fired from the band. Even those who identify as his close friends acknowledge that he was going nowhere musically at the end. The implication that this was Mick & Keith's fault is ridiculous.Brian Jones's sad story, like many others in rock n roll, is full of what ifs and why nots. A better book would have limited the crying to one chapter, eliminated the drugs & sex parties, and spent more time on the music. That's what really matters, isn't it?

The evolution of the Rolling Stones as a band cannot be understood without a sense of the role of Brian Jones. He was a flawed human being--but someone who had a sense of music that would be critical for this band.This book provides what the author sees as a "corrective," making sure that Jones' role in the development of the Rolling Stones is credited. At one level, I think that the corrective is a bit overblown. Other authors have spoken of Jones' role--and his subsequent eclipsing as Keith Richards and Mick Jagger took a central role. Still, this volume is quite helpful in providing a greater sense of Jones' life and his role with he band and his decline--as well as his foibles and weaknesses. The work is an honest assessment of Jones.Brian Jones grew up in a middle class family, but ended up estranged from them. This was not an inconsiderable element in his developing persona. The book does a nice job of describing his efforts to develop a musical career, and his joining--over time--with Jagger and Richards and Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman. The book does a nice job of outlining the internal dysfunctions of the group=--as well as the creative energy and evolution of their oeuvre.The volume ends with a discussion of the death of Brian Jones, trying to go beyond legend and gossip.This is, overall, a useful addition to the body of work on the Rolling Stones and provides a framework for understanding the role of Brian Jones.

An excellent read and researched thoroughly. The author has spoken exhaustively to those who knew Brian throughout his life, professionally and personally. Brian Jones was a very complex young man. Watch his Youtube interviews when he was 23 and still leader of the band. Highly intelligent, utterly compelling, way ahead of his time in his attitudes. He was also very attractive to women and a fabulous musician. No wonder he had a fast paced and complicated love life. He led life at a breathtaking pace. Paul Trynka details how with the inevitable power shift in the band when Jagger and Richards penned their hits giving no recognition to the others for their contributions it rankled with Jones especially and led to bitter rivalries. Jagger was jealous of Jones' attraction to women and Jones was jealous of their song writing. Paul Trynka also takes us through Brian's private life and personal relationships, many illegitimate children, 3 adopted out, 2 assumed daughters he didn't know about and 2 little boys he fought in court against funding their upbringing. A fascinating read about a fascinating man who sadly left the Rolling Stones (and life) way too early. To his credit Paul Trynka doesn't sugar coat over Brian Jones' faults. If only Brian had lived longer, he would have matured emotionally, righted some wrongs and got over the rock and roll madness.Anyway, read this book, it's excellent.

I read this book at night, with stones albums of the era playing in the background. A most engrossing read.Paul Trynka really puts Brian Centre stage, which in my humble opinion is where he belongs. Gives you a real insight into the world of the stones at that time.

Prompt good service goods arrived as described and a cracking read

What a great read. Like Bill Wyman's book, 'Stone Alone,' Paul Trynka's biography of Brian Jones is so detailed. Brian was pure genius. As I state for my review for Bill's book, others were jealous of Brin's talent. He could pick up an instrument and get a tune out of it. Give him a week and he would've mastered it. Yes, Brian was difficult, but he had psychological issues that should have been addressed. And yes, in the early days he took an extra commission without telling the others (which he should've told them). But, Andrew Oldham should have been far more transparent with his dealings with Allen Klein. Towards the end of Brian's life, he was coming off the hard drugs and alcohol. He was at peace at Cotchford Farm. I see a friend of mine in Uckfield and I drive past the end of Cotchforn Lane where brian lived. I think it's appauling that some of his posessions were stolen which the reader will see. I think this book should be merged the Bill Wyman's .

Brian Jones, troubled but brilliant in his own special way (despite MANY human flaws) but shocker was what a couple of TOTAL CREEPS Jagger & Richards are, pretty much across the board. Heartless, self-centered, mean-spirited, cheap credit-hoggers.... Totally spoiled any appreciation I ever had for them as PEOPLE. Band (with Jones) very good. Post-Jones hot & cold (with a LOT more cold than hot....)